John Weston
Blues At Daybreak
(Wilco WCD1005)
The first time I heard John "So Blue" Weston I knew I was
listening to a talented individual. He plays and sings the blues with
authority, but it is his songwriting talent that knocks me out. His two
previous CDs: the reissued So Doggone Blue (a favorite) on Evidence, and
Got To Deal With The Blues on Midnight Creeper Records were written almost
entirely by John. With the release of Blues At Daybreak, that has not
changed. Again he has written the lion's share of the tunes, as well as
singing, playing some guitar and showing that he can still wail on the
harp.
Born on December 12, 1927 in Marianna, Ark., John grew up listening
to a variety of music. Self taught on guitar and harp, he wouldn't perform
publicly until the late 70's when he frequented the Marianna VFW. Later
(in 1988) he began playing solo gigs in front of Bubba's Blues Corner, a
record shop in Helena, Ark. Taking the advice of friends such as Bubba and
Willie Cobbs it wasn't long before John ventured out to the blues public.
Man am I glad he did. National recognition came in 1989 when the Blues
Foundation gave John the "Lucille Award" at the annual Handy
awards in Memphis, TN. Since then John has toured the states and overseas,
sharing his blues stories about life, love, and the earned perspective
from 70 plus years of experience.
Blues At Daybreak harkens back to a time
and sound when recordings were made more simply. This mostly acoustic
collection came about at the request of bandmates, old friends and members
of the Sonny Boy Blues Society. Don't let the word "acoustic"
fool you though, it only adds power to his words and playing. Repeat spins
show how deceptive the acoustic blues can be. Before you know it, it's in
your blood. With 16 cuts and over 50 minutes of music, there is plenty
here to like. Using a little time and patience (a rare commodity these
days), the listener can't help but be rewarded. Listen to "Blueberry
Jam" a short harp piece, or "None To Save" about money,
what else? "Just Once More" tells a lover that she's got one
more chance, don't blow it! "To Lose Is Blues" is about being
willing to put up with a little bossin' from his woman in order to keep a
good thing. "Backfire, Backfire" will have you shaking your
tail-feather, and "Too Much Blues" has the line, "If the
blues was money, how rich I'd be, I'd have enough to share with friends,
and still have too much for me." Thanks for "sharing" your
blues with us John. I would, and have, recommended John's CDs to listeners
in the past and I appreciate the chance to do it again. Do yourself a
favor and find this one.
- Big Daddy Hal -
Southwest Blues CD Review - March 2000
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